China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC), based in Beijing, has clinched a significant contract worth AED4.4 billion ($1.2 billion) to construct The Island project, marking the largest deal since 2017. 

The Island Project Welcomes MGM, Bellagio, and Aria to Its Horizon

The Island project, situated on a 10.5-hectare island off the coast of Umm Suqeim, is poised to become a luxurious destination, featuring renowned hotel brands such as MGM, Bellagio, and Aria. The prospect of these high-profile brands entering Dubai has sparked speculation about potential gambling facilities if the UAE decides to legalize it, reported MEP Middle East.

The development is expected to offer a diverse range of amenities, including 1,400 hotel rooms and apartments, along with retail, dining, and entertainment options. German firm Buro Kling Architectural Engineering Consultants is playing a pivotal role as the main and structural consultant, alongside local firm APCC overseeing the earthworks.

The timing of this milestone coincides with a surge in optimism for Dubai’s project market, evident in the recent approval of the $4.9 billion Blue Line extension in the Dubai Metro network. The Island project, strategically located near the Jumeirah Beach Hotel and Marsa al-Arab, adds a new dimension to Dubai’s ever-evolving skyline and urban landscape.

CSCEC’s triumph in securing The Island project follows its earlier successes in Dubai, including the AED886 million ($241 million) main works contract for Damac Properties’ 71-storey Cavalli Tower and the W-Residences project awarded by luxury real estate developer DarGlobal.

With a brand value of $31.9 billion in 2022, as reported in the Brand Finance Engineering and Construction 50 2023 report, CSCEC stands as the world’s largest transnational conglomerate, known for its expertise in civil and industrial engineering, real estate development, and home building.

Wynn Resorts Redefines Luxury in Dubai with $3.90 Billion Casino Resort

MGM is not the only gambling company trying to set foot in Dubai. Wynn Resorts advances with its groundbreaking $3.90 billion integrated casino resort on the artificial Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, scheduled for an early 2027 launch. 

Partnering with local entities Marjan and RAK Hospitality Holding, Wynn ensures compliance with stringent UAE regulations. The project, led by ALEC Engineering and Contracting, has progressed smoothly since March, reflecting Wynn’s commitment to the region’s surging demand for luxury gaming and resorts. 

Recent concept images revealed a sleek hotel tower reminiscent of the Las Vegas Strip, featuring 1,500 hotel rooms, expansive gaming areas, a spa, entertainment facilities, and a luxurious shopping center.

The $3.90 billion investment signifies Wynn’s substantial commitment to the UAE’s hospitality sector, aiming to meet the escalating demand for luxury destinations in the Middle East.

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The strike by unionized casino workers at MGM Grand Detroit continues after they rejected a tentative five-year labor contract. The decision stands in contrast to the resolution reached at MotorCity Casino and Hollywood Casino at Greektown, where workers overwhelmingly approved the proposed agreements, ending their 34-day strike.

Detroit Casino Council Faces Scrutiny as MGM Grand Workers Decline Tentative Agreement

The Detroit Casino Council, representing five unions, had brokered a tentative deal on November 17 to cover 3,700 workers across the three casinos. While the rejection by MGM Grand workers raises questions, the council refrained from disclosing specific reasons behind the decision.

Wendy Abraham, a union member and dealer at MGM Grand Detroit, expressed apprehension about the extended 64-month contract, stating that she had reservations, believing it to be excessively long, reported WMYD Detroit. Another significant issue for several individuals involved the suggested upfront pay raise of $3 per hour. Catherine Bilek Roberts, also affiliated with MGM, maintained that they should receive a minimum of $6 or $7 per hour in the initial year.

Notably, the rejection by MGM Grand workers has left them isolated, with MotorCity and Hollywood Casino employees returning to work. The broader context of labor struggles in Detroit sees parallels with ongoing strikes, such as those by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan workers.

MGM’s Strong Finances Clash with Detroit’s Casino Strike

The rejection carries significance against the backdrop of MGM Resorts International‘s robust financial performance, reporting net revenues of $4 billion in the third quarter, a 16% increase from the previous year. 

At the same time, the month-long strike has led to temporary closures and disruptions in services, impacting valet services and amenities at the affected casinos. The Michigan Gaming Control Board reported substantial revenue losses in October, ranging from $5 million to $7 million for each casino, resulting in an 18% drop in overall revenue compared to the previous month. 

The MGM casino management expressed disappointment at the rejection, with Matt Buckley, President & COO of MGM Resorts Midwest Group, calling the offer “historic” and emphasizing its potential benefits for employees and their families.

Buckley emphasized that the proposal comprised the most extensive wage hikes ever seen in the 23-year history of the Detroit casino industry. As the strike persists, the impact on Detroit and Michigan’s economy remains a concern, with projected daily losses of approximately $738,000 in city and state tax revenues and $3.4 million in casino operator revenues.

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Popular Call of Duty streamer Nick “NICKMERCS” Kolcheff has announced his foray into gambling streams on the Twitch rival platform, Kick. Kolcheff, a co-owner of Faze Clan, recently signed a lucrative non-exclusive deal with Kick, reportedly worth eight figures. During his first livestream on the platform, he confirmed the inclusion of gambling streams, citing it as a contractual obligation.

High-Profile Kick Streamers Are Obliged to Host Gambling Streams

While many were taken aback by this unexpected turn, it appears that gambling streams are, in fact, a stipulated requirement for certain high-profile streamers on Kick. The platform, backed by Stake.com, one of the leading gambling platforms in the industry, seems to have made gambling an integral part of its content strategy.

Kolcheff, addressing his viewers during the livestream, revealed that he would be conducting gambling streams in the future. He mentioned that he would not be doing a lot but confirmed that some gambling streams were definitely planned, emphasizing that it was a part of the contract. He also revealed that these streams will be conducted from a secret location outside the United States, as legal constraints prevent such activities within the country.

The collaboration between Kick and Stake.com has raised questions about the ethical implications of promoting gambling to a wide audience, especially considering the ban imposed on gambling sites by Twitch in 2022. Many prominent Twitch streamers expressed concerns about the promotion of gambling to underage viewers, prompting the ban of several gambling-related sites.

Streamer Investments and Ethical Debates Define Platform Dynamics

Kick, however, seems undeterred by these concerns. The platform, known for its substantial financial investments in securing renowned streamers such as Félix “xQc” Lengyel and Kaitlyn “Amouranth” Siragusa, appears determined to push the boundaries of content creation. Kolcheff’s announcement adds another layer to the platform’s controversial image, already marred by previous incidents involving other streamers and their questionable content.

It remains to be seen how the community will react to this controversial decision. With Kolcheff’s assurance of conducting viewer giveaways using the gambling funds provided by Kick, the streams are bound to attract significant attention, both from fans and critics alike.

Meanwhile, in July, Kick addressed concerns about gambling content and view-botting with new updates. Co-founder Ed Craven announced measures to combat view botting, including extra view count protection, emphasizing Kick’s commitment to a fair environment. Kick also introduced a toggle option, allowing users to control their exposure to gambling streams.

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Detroit casino workers are on the brink of a massive strike set to begin at noon on October 17 unless an agreement is swiftly reached between unions and the city’s three major casinos. This development marks the first time in Detroit’s history that casino workers have contemplated such a drastic measure.

Detroit Casino Unions Demand Reasonable Wages Amidst Tech Shift

The unions, including UNITE HERE Local 24, UAW, and Teamsters, have been in intense negotiations with casino management since early September, seeking fair wages, improved healthcare benefits, and job protections amid the implementation of new technologies in the gaming industry.

According to union leaders, casino workers demand wage increases in line with the soaring profits reported by the casinos in 2022 and 2023 after the pandemic-induced shutdowns, reported the Detroit Free Press. Workers argue that fair compensation is essential given the rising cost of living and inflation rates. 

Susan Gallagher, a seasoned bartender at Hollywood Casino at Greektown, conveyed her worries about the potential threat to their jobs posed by technological advancements. She mentioned that they understood they could not halt the progress of technology but emphasized the necessity to safeguard themselves.

The strike threat has shaken up Detroit’s gaming industry and raised concerns about the potential economic impact. 

Patrick Nichols, a dealer at the MGM Grand, shared his worries about the challenging economic climate pointing to the high inflation and cost of living. He noted that the negotiations are a matter of survival.

Detroit Workers Await Fair Contract Amidst Looming Strike Threat

The Detroit Casino Council’s decision to strike comes after months of fruitless negotiations. The council accused casino management of being uncooperative and failing to deliver a fair contract for the workers. While significant progress has been made, an agreement has yet to be reached, leaving casino operations in jeopardy.

Representatives from MotorCity Casino Hotel expressed their commitment to bargaining in good faith and achieving a fair contract. A representative commented that although substantial headway had been achieved, they had not finalized a deal with the Detroit Casino Council. The spokesperson emphasized their dedication to negotiating sincerely and securing a contract that treated their employees fairly while ensuring their company’s competitiveness in the industry.

As the clock ticks down to the strike deadline, the fate of Detroit’s bustling gaming industry hangs in the balance. The workers, resolute in their demands, stand united, hoping for a fair agreement that will secure their livelihoods and the future of their industry.

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This makes the 25^th consecutive month in which Nevada collected more than $1 billion from its gaming operations. Yet, there has been a slowdown, as casino revenue declined on an annual basis, the Nevada Gaming Control Board confirmed in an update on Tuesday.

Nevada’s Market Continues to Surpass $1B Revenue

The results in March 2022 were $1.35 billion, slightly higher than the present-day results. Even July 2021 did better than March 2023 when the Silver State recorded $1.35 billion. However, the results in the coming months would be skewed, predicts the control board’s senior economic analyst Michael Lawton.

Lawton explains that the past 13 months saw an incredible increase in overall results, partly because the pent-up demand during the pandemic finally found an outlet. This initial frenzy though has now subsided, meaning that the coming months will continue to post “weaker” results, when in fact they would just be a normalization of the gaming revenue.

The decline the Nevada Gaming Control Board spoke of in its latest update is small on the face of it. The Strip’s results contracted by 2.9% to $724.6 million. Interestingly, high-end baccarat is the key culprit here, with revenue from this segment falling by a whopping 50% to just $63.2 million.

Sports betting earnings across the state, though, reached $43.9 million, which was a 19% gain compared to March 2022. Naturally, mobile betting accounted for the bulk of that – 64%. However, Nevada is still a place where a lot of bets are placed in-person and at land-based venues, which is what makes the Silver State an outlier.

March Madness and Betting Drive Strong Results

Most other states that have mobile betting see people mostly use mobile apps, with mobile betting activity accounting for nearly 90% or more of the total amount placed as wagers. Commenting on the state’s results, Wells Fargo analyst Daniel Polizer suggested that despite the “slowdown” March was a solid month for Las Vegas and the Silver State in general.

The growing pains Nevada is experiencing are attributable to what Lawton said – a boom following the pandemic with the markets finally correcting themselves. It’s all in line with expectations. Slots were once again the top performer in March with $906.4 million generated from the vertical.

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Global supplier of gaming and lottery solutions International Game Technology (IGT) announced its sports betting technology contract with the Rhode Island Lottery has been extended for another three years.

The Beneficial Partnership Will Continue

The contract extension with the Rhode Island Lottery means that IGT will continue to provide the IGT PlaySports solution alongside its commercial partner, William Hill US, and power the lottery’s sports betting offering via the Sportsbook Rhode Island app and the sportsbooks at Bally’s Twin River Lincoln Casino Resort and Bally’s Tiverton Casino & Hotel.

Mark Furcolo, Rhode Island Lottery director, commented on the contract extension, expressing the lottery’s contentment with the partnership with IGT and William Hill in the past five years that proved successful for the lottery’s sports betting operation, hailing “IGT’s world-class technology and William Hill’s operator experience.”

“IGT recently invested significant resources to enhance our sports betting platform and mobile app,” he continued in his comments, stressing that these upgrades will empower the Rhode Island Lottery “to maximize revenue and offer a solution that remains competitive among neighboring states” in what is a very dynamic regional sports betting market.

On behalf of IGT, the company’s president of Sports Betting, Joe Asher, outlined that the Rhode Island Lottery was “one of the early adopters [of sports betting] in the post-PASPA era,” championing the vertical in 2018, noting that IGT was more than happy to be able “to continue driving Rhode Island’s sports betting growth.”

“Rhode Island is home to very loyal sports fans who love following their New England-based teams,” Asher added, highlighting that the “enhancements IGT has made to the Lottery’s sports betting platform and app” would help the lottery operator “provide fans with a convenient and intuitive player experience” while yielding “strong returns that support the Lottery’s commitment to generating revenue for good causes.”

Lottery, iLottery, Instant Tickets, Video Lottery

The contract extension further strengthens the partnership between the tech supplier and the lottery operator, in which IGT is the exclusive supplier of lottery, iLottery, instant tickets and video lottery solutions and services to the Rhode Island Lottery.

Just over a year ago, IGT and the Rhode Island Lottery signed a 20-year extension to their partnership contract under which IGT would remain the lottery’s exclusive supplier of these lottery and iLottery products and services until 2043.

IGT PlaySports is currently available across more than 80 gaming venues in the US and Canada, with the latest to benefit from the sports betting platform being the Santa Ana Star Casino Hotel in New Mexico.

Under the contract with the Pueblo of Santa Ana tribe, IGT agreed to deliver its platform and self-service betting kiosks and provide trading advisory services for the casino partner operators.

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